San Diego Unified’s most vocal parent watchdog has questioned the work ethic of school board president and math teacher Kevin Beiser, after requesting public records that show he missed more than two weeks in the classroom this school year for duties related to his political office.

Parent activist Sally Smith filed a public records request with the Sweetwater Union High School District to find out how often Kevin Beiser missed work at Castle Park Middle School for San Diego Unified business during the 2013-14 academic year that led up to the June election.

Records show from the first day of school — July 24 of last year — to the last on May 27, Beiser missed a total of 14 days and left one to two hours early on 14 days for San Diego Unified School District work.

Under the Sweetwater teachers union contract, educators who are elected officials are allowed to take at least five days off each year with pay. Any additional political leave is granted on a case-by-case basis. Beyond that, teachers are entitled to 10 days of leave annually, up to seven of which can be used for personal time.

Beiser, who was named 2008-2009 Outstanding Math Teacher of the Year by the Greater San Diego Math Council, is running for re-election. Smith supports his challenger, parent advocate and scientist Amy Redding.

Beiser dismissed Smith’s implication that he neglects his students.

“I am dedicated to my students and families — they know that,” said Beiser, who added that his students have his cellphone number. “This is nothing more than a political attack.”

Beiser said he took two five-day trips with San Diego Unified officials last year — to Israel and China — that each included tours of education programs and schools. He said a qualified math teacher subbed for him in his absence. Beiser took four additional days for district retreats and business. In addition to that, he said he left work about an hour early 14 times, leaving a substitute to oversee the final hour of “non-instructional silent reading time.”

Smith said Beiser’s attendance record is important.

“One of the big discussions going around the ed center is about teacher evaluations, which includes how much time a teacher is in the classroom,” she said. ”This certainly speaks to the commitment of that teacher.”

Beiser won more than 68 percent of vote in the June primary election that was open to voters in northern-inland region of the district that he represents. Beiser and Redding will face off in a November contest since the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, which is open to all voters who live in the San Diego Unified boundaries.